ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Protein Electrophoresis, Serum : 0050640

Mnemonic: SPEP

Methodology: Capillary Electrophoresis
Performed: Mon-Fri
Reported: 1-4 days
Specimen Required: Collect:  One 4 mL serum separator tube.

Transport:  1 mL serum at 2-8°C. (Min: 0.5 mL)  Submit specimen in an ARUP Standard Transport Tube.

Pediatric Collection/Transport:  0.2 mL serum at 2-8°C.

Remarks:  Separate serum from cells ASAP. For CSF electrophoresis, refer to Protein Electrophoresis, CSF (0050590).

Unacceptable Conditions:  Plasma.

Stability:  After separation from cells: Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: 1 month
Reference Interval:
 
Test Number Components Reference Interval
 Total Protein-Electrophoresis, Serum 6.00-8.30 g/dL
 Albumin 3.75-5.01 g/dL
 Alpha-1 Globulins 0.19-0.46 g/dL
 Alpha-2 Globulins 0.48-1.05 g/dL
 Beta Globulins 0.48-1.10 g/dL
 Gamma  0.62-1.51 g/dL

Interpretive Data: Serum protein electrophoresis, when used as a screening procedure, is useful in the detection of various pathophysiologic states such as inflammation, protein loss, gammopathies, and other dysproteinemias.  However, immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) is a more sensitive technique for the identification of small M-proteins found in patients with amyloidosis, early or treated myeloma or macroglobulinemia, solitary plasmacytoma, or extramedullary plasmacytoma.
Note: A copy of the graph will follow final report.
CPT Code(s): 84160 Total protein; 84165 Electrophoretic fractionation
 
 

 

 

 
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